Pre-Socratic philosophy

Pre-Socratic philosophy refers to early Greek thinkers from the 6th and 5th centuries BCE who sought to understand the nature of the universe and existence without relying on myths. They focused on identifying the fundamental substance or principle—such as water, air, or an unchanging "arch"—that everything comes from and depends on. These philosophers emphasized reason, observation, and inquiry, laying the groundwork for scientific and philosophical thought. Their work marks the shift from mythological explanations to rational investigation of natural phenomena and the cosmos.